Japan Press Weekly

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2011 July 6 - 12 TOP3 [GREAT EAST JAPAN DISASTER]

‘Special zone’ scheme will destroy traditional fishing order based on sustainability

In regard to the reconstruction of the fishery industry in the disaster-devastated region, a “special fishery restoration zone” scheme proposed by Miyagi Prefectural Governor Murai Yoshihiro is now the focus of public attention. The following is an Akahata interview with Hokkaido University Professor Emeritus Hiroyoshi Katsuji, who criticizes the corporate entry into the industry as a means to destroy the long-maintained local order of coastal fishing:

I wonder if the governor understands that the coastal fishing right system is a very important system that has developed during the long history of the nation’s fishery activities.

Coastal fishing is conducted in areas within a few miles from the coast. In order to conserve natural resources and to secure sustainable production of marine products, careful management must be maintained in accordance with each region’s local characteristics.

To this end, a self-governing organ, like a fishery cooperative, is reasonable and effective. I believe that this system has been developed based on our forefathers’ wisdom from throughout the Edo and Meiji periods.

The cooperative, without being engaged in fishing, works to maintain and conserve fishing grounds. Based on rules set by this organ, its members divide and use the sea sustainably in their businesses.

Fishers are required by their cooperatives to use certain fishing equipment and methods that are approved, to fish only during designated hours, and to not catch fish that are smaller than the designated size in order to avoid extinction of marine species.

It is only natural for fishers to be indignant at the proposed corporate entry into their business without recognizing the system of maintaining “coastal order.” The proposal could allow unregulated fishing, destroy natural resources, and lead to the degradation of the long-maintained system of ecosystem protection.